The Central government has announced that four new labour codes will be implemented with immediate effect. The four new codes have replaced 29 old labour laws. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “We have notified four labour codes. These are now the laws of the country.”
Four New Labour Codes
The four codes that will be implemented are:
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Code on Industrial Relations, 2020
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020
According to the Centre, such codes will enhance labour standards and workers' welfare apart from strengthening the domestic industries. The reforms under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative will modernize the labour system, so that it would become more efficient.
Need for Reform
Most of the Indian labour laws were framed during the 1930s to 1950s. The economy and work practices were vastly different then. Other countries gradually introduced simplicity by consolidating such laws, while India continued with intricate provisions within a set of 29 old laws. According to the government, the new codes will resolve this problem.
Though the new Labour Codes were approved in 2020, implementation was delayed because a number of states had not notified the rules.
PM Modi on Labour Codes
The implementation of the new Labour Codes was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He termed it major reforms for workers' welfare since independence. He elaborated that the codes are comprehensive, progressive, and will provide multiple benefits to the workers.
Modi further added that the reforms will facilitate ease of business, ensure minimum wages, timely payments, and safe workplaces. He further went on to say that they will bring in opportunities for the youth and women and protect workers' rights. As per him, these reforms would increase productivity, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and lead to a developed India.
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